General Items of Interest by Carl Buhler

Today, May 7, 2019 is National Teacher Appreciation Day, otherwise known as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

Today is a great day to think about and/or thank a teacher. Many of us have a favorite teacher from our time in school. As we think about how teachers shaped our lives, gave us an extra few minutes of their time, listened to our problems, and helped mold us into who we are today, we’re reminded of the special role teachers have in the lives of many. As parents, teachers continue to play a role in our lives as they influence our children and teach them foundational elements as they start their journey in life.

Many teachers have influenced me during my life…and I’m confident others will say the same thing. So, to all of my teachers, thank you!

According to the National Education Association, “[t]he origins of National Teacher Day are murky. Around 1944 Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. NEA, along with its Kansas and Indiana state affiliates and the Dodge City (Kan.) Local, lobbied Congress to create a national day to celebrate teachers. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher Day for that year only. NEA and its affiliates continued to observe National Teacher Day in March until 1985, when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May.”

Additionally, National Day Calendar, added teachers “are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated and understanding professionals that mold our children’s lives in a positive direction. We entrust our children with the teachers, and they affect their lives on a daily basis.” A very true statement!

The author, US Air Force retired Brigadier General Carl Buhler, is the CEO and Lead Consultant of Buhler Consulting, LLC which specializes in providing consulting services for aircraft maintenance, munitions, technology, SBIR, production, logistics, and supply. Carl is a career Air Force aircraft maintenance, munitions, and logistics officer. He is also a member of two Parent Teacher organizations.